The ultimate guide to Hawaii

The best places to visit on O'ahu

O'ahu is the third largest Hawaiian island, sometimes called The Gathering Place because of its diverse population and its fusion of eastern and western cultures. It's the most popular destination for visitors thanks to its vibrant capital Honolulu, famous Pearl Harbor and iconic Waikīkī Beach.

Honolulu

Welcome to Hawai'i's capital and the state's largest city!

Start your visit at Waikīkī, the island's main hotel and resort area on the south shore of Honolulu. This world-famous neighbourhood is home to one of the most recognisable beaches in the world, Waikīkī Beach. Don't skip nearby Kūhiō Beach, where you can see the Duke Kahanamoku Statue and pay your respects to one of the world's greatest surfers. Finish the day by strolling Kalākaua Avenue, the main strip packed with world-class shopping, dining and entertainment. For more, visit Kūhiō Avenue, the Royal Hawaiian Centre, the Waikīkī Beach Walk and the International Market Place.

Next, check out Downtown Honolulu. Visit 'Iolani Palace, which is the only official royal state residence in the US. The former residence of Hawaiian monarchs, its grounds and galleries are now open to the public. At day's end, there's nightlife around every corner in this district. Across the road at Aliʻiōlani Hale is the King Kamehameha I Statue, which honours the ruler who unified the Hawaiian Islands. On the Friday closest to Kamehameha Day (11 June), the statue is draped with handmade lei (flower garlands). Walk east to the Hawaiian Mission Houses Historic Site and Archives to understand the changes the New England Missionaries brought to Hawai'i in 1820 - or west to discover Capitol Modern, the Hawaii State Art Museum full of Pacific arts and culture.

If you're after more arts and cultural history, head to the Bishop Museum, which is filled with unique Hawaiian and Polynesian artifacts. The Honolulu Museum of Arts hosts the state's largest collection of fine arts. Or you can head into a long-extinct volcano called Pūowaina Crater, where the National Memorial Cemetery is the final resting place of almost 53,000 veterans.

Round off Honolulu with a moderate hike up Lē'ahi (Diamond Head) for panoramic views of Waikīkī, Honolulu and the Pacific Ocean. Start from Lē'ahi Head Crater (bookings required) and bring a flashlight: the hike includes dark underground tunnels and old military bunkers.

Central O'ahu

One of Hawai'i's most famous sites is Pearl Harbor, which was tragically attacked during World War II. It is now an active naval base with five historic sites. Grab the Passport to Pearl Harbor ticket to get the best access. Start at the Pearl Harbor Visitor Centre to learn about the attack. Then head over to the Pearl Harbor National Memorial, where you can board a US Navy vessel to a memorial built atop the USS Arizona, which holds the names of the 900 sailors and Marines who lost their lives. Tour America's last battleship, the USS Missouri, at the Battleship Missouri Memorial. Imperial Japan’s formal surrender in World War II took place aboard this ship in Tokyo Bay on 2 September 1945. Explore the USS Bowfin, nicknamed the 'Pearl Harbor Avenger', at the Pacific Fleet Submarine Museum to learn what it was like for her crew of 80 men to serve onboard. Finally, visit the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum to experience the attack from where bombs first fell.

Round off your visit to Central O'ahu with something lighter: perhaps the Dole Pineapple Plantation, where you can ride the Pineapple Express Train through sprawling fields of pineapples, navigate the world's largest plant maze, explore eight mini-gardens and taste a famous Dole Whip (soft-serve, dairy-free frozen dessert).

The Hawai'i Plantation Village is also worth a visit. This living history museum is full of sugar-cane plantation homes. Many of O'ahu's multicultural population are descended from the mid-1800s plantation workers that came to work here from China, Japan, the Philippines, Korea, Okinawa, Portugal and Puerto Rico.

North Shore

O'ahu's North Shore is the big wave surfing capital of the world. Its beaches host the world's premier surfing competitions during its wild winter months. Watch the surfing pros at Waimea Bay, Banzai Pipeline and Sunset Beach - but stay on shore, as the waves can be dangerous.

Cool off after your sunbathing at Hale'iwa, a laid-back surfie town known for its fun dessert called shave ice: ice chips topped with flavoured syrups.

Head up the coast to the James Campbell National Wildlife Refuge, which you can tour from October to February for the chance to spot endangered Hawaiian monk seals and honu (Hawaiian green sea turtles).

Call into the Polynesian Cultural Centre to discover the rich heritage and cultural traditions of six Pacific Island nations: Hawai‘i, Fiji, Aotearoa (New Zealand), Samoa, Tahiti and Tonga. Enjoy hands-on arts and crafts, dance and music performances, and cultural dishes. As the sun sets, enjoy the authentic Hawaiian Ali‘i Lū‘au and Hā: The Breath of Life, a showcase of Polynesian music and dance with over 100 performers.

Windward Coast

The Windward Coast region on O'ahu is home to a very special place: Nu'uanu Pali Lookout, where in 1795 King Kamehameha I united O'ahu under his rule after a fierce struggle. It still offers panoramic views of the coastline and the Ko'olau Mountains.

Head southeast to the Waimānalo Coast and visit Sea Life Park, swim with dolphins, snorkel with sharks and play with sea lions. There are many exhibitions and habitats, but the Sea Bird Sanctuary is particularly noteworthy because it's full of rescued and rehabilitated birds that can't be released back into the wild. Nearby, the Makapu'u Point Lighthouse offers a moderate hike to another scenic viewpoint where you can watch whales between December and May.

Alternatively, head northwest to Byodo-in: a scale replica of a temple in Uji, Japan. Deep within the Valley of the Temples in the Ko'olau Range, Byodo-in (Temple of Equality) is made entirely without nails and dedicated to Hawai'i's Japanese immigrants. Visiting Byodo-in is truly like stepping into Japan, complete with koi ponds, meditative gardens and a golden Buddha statue. Ring the sacred bell (bon-sho) before entering the temple for happiness and longevity.

Finally, visit Kuoloa Ranch further north. This ranch has been in the family for generations and is located in a scenic valley that was filmed for landscape shots in Jurassic Park and Lost. Enjoy horseback riding, ziplining, ATV tours, jungle expeditions, kayaking adventures and more.

Leeward Coast

Many visitors love staying in Leeward Coast's luxury resort town Ko Olina. This lush oceanside retreat has four beach coves and was once where Hawaiian nobility holidayed. Head to Paradise Cove Lūʻau for stunning ocean views during a delicious feast and traditional Hawaiian music, crafts and dance performances. There's also a lūʻau most evenings at the water park Wet n' Wild Hawai'i, which has a lazy river, wave pool, surfing ride and plenty of waterslides.

Follow the coast up to Mākaha Beach, which offers great big wave surfing or (when calm) popular dive sites. Keep going to Keawaula (Yokohama Bay), a tranquil white-sand beach found at the end of a paved road.

Ka'ena Point at O'ahu's westernpoint point is arguably the Leeward Coast's most meaningful destination. Brave the long, hot hike to where legend says the souls of ancient Hawaiians would jump off into the spirit world to meet the souls of their ancestors.

The best places to visit on Kaua‘i

Kaua'i is the Hawaiian chain's oldest and most northern island. It's full of rainforests, rivers and waterfalls bordered by sharp mountains. Some parts of the island are only accessible by sea or air, so plan your routes carefully.

Līhuʻe

Līhuʻe is home to the island's main airport (Līhuʻe Airport) plus a cruise ship port (Nāwiliwili Harbor), so it's probably the most-travelled town on Kaua'i. Head straight to Kalapakī Beach for great swimming and surfing located next to the Marriott resort. Spend your afternoon at Kaua'i Museum, showcasing local artists and Hawaiian history, or the Grove Farm Homestead Museum to learn about the sugar plantation days.

A short drive inland is a giant, dramatic Wailua Falls. These twin falls can be seen right from the car park. Mornings often treat visitors to a big rainbow in the waterfall's mists.

'Alekoko Fishpond is also worth a visit. Its an aquaculture reservoir that's almost a thousand years old. According to legend, the mythical Menehune (little people) built it in one night.

Next, head to Kilohana Estate. This beautifully restored 1930s sugar plantation estate boasts a working farm, tropical gardens, and a cute railway ride that tours the farm. Don't miss the onsite Kōloa Rum Company flagship store, where you can try award-winning Hawaiian rum.

North Shore

On Kaua'i's North Shore, many tourists like to stay at Princeville, an upscale resort area. It's near Hanalei, a small and sweet town that borders sea coast, misty mountains, and green taro fields. Explore Hanalei's colourful galleries, shops and restaurants before having a swim off Hanalei Pier. There's regular 'ukulele concerts playing at the Hanalei Community Center. Don't miss Wai'oli Mission House and Church, which teaches visitors about the arrival of missionaries on Kaua'i.

Follow the coast west to visit Hā'ena Beach, with its picturesque backdrop of Mount Makana (Bali Hai), and Kē'ē Beach, which offers great snorkelling on calm days. If you're up for a long hike, the Kalalau Trail starts just beyond Kē'ē Beach and treks along the into the Nāpali coast all the way to Hanakapi'ai Falls. Nāpali is inaccessible by car, meaning you'll be treated to its lush green valleys, cascading waterfalls and sea caves in a completely serene environment.

Alternatively, head east from Princeville to gorgeous 'Anini Beach, a tranquil lagoon protected by a big coral reef with pure white sand: an incredible place for windsurfers or beginning snorkellers. Spend your afternoon watching seabirds or (in season) humpback whales at the Kīlauea Point Lighthouse on the island's northernmost point. If wandering is more your thing, pay a visit to Nā ʻāina Kai Botanical Gardens to learn about the region's native plants.

Royal Coconut Coast

Kaua'i's East Side is often called the Royal Coconut Coast due to its amazing coconut palm groves. Here, you can pick up the perfect Hawaiian keepsake at Kinipopo Shopping Village in Kapa'a: think aloha shirts, maps, art and jewellery. There's also a watersports shop where you can rent kayaks or waterskiis.

Next, go to nearby Wailua town as your base for a wealth of outdoor activities. Kayak up Wailua River, which weaves through jungle landscapes past big waterfalls.

From Wailua, you can also book a riverboat to Fern Grotto. This lava rock grotto filled with hanging ferns drenched in waterfall mist was once only accessible to Hawaiian royalty. Now, locals often play beautiful Hawaiian music for visitors to enhance the experience.

Embark on a scenic hike up Nounou Mountain, where you should try and spot the Sleeping Giant figure made by the mountain. Hawaiian legends say this giant was tricked by villagers into eating a vast amount of rocks hidden in fish and poi. Sleepy from the meal, the giant took a nap and hasn’t woken since. The Sleeping Giant Trail is one of three Nounou Mountain Trails.

Round off the area by visiting the towering 'Ōpaekaʻa Falls for a great photo opp. Across the road you'll find Poli'ahu Heiau: a sacred place that legend says was built by the Menehune.

Finally, unwind at Lydgate Beach, where two lava rock-enclosed ocean pools offer calm swim and snorkel sessions.

South Shore

On your way from Kaua'i's East Side to its South Shore, drive Maluhia Road to experience the Tree Tunnel: a stretch lined with eucalyptus trees planted a century ago. Stop in Old Kōloa Town to stroll the old-fashioned storefronts and explore the Kōloa History Center to learn about the town's sugarcane plantation heritage. Grab a local Lappert's ice cream to enjoy under the big monkey pod trees.

If you're into your history, walk or drive the Kōloa Heritage Trail: a 16km tour of important sites in Kōloa and Po'ipū, the nearby town that boasts an incredible beach and oceanside restaurants.

Kids and adults will both love visiting Spouting Horn just west of Po'ipū, which is a blowhole that spouts water up to 6 metres high.

West Side

On your way up to explore Kaua'i's wild West Side, poke around the eclectic galleries and cafes at Hanapēpē, the island’s art capital. Salt Pond Beach Park is another cool stop, filled with shallow tidal pools for a relaxing float in the ocean.

A stay in Waimea is notably for two major reasons. First, Captain Cook landed first landed in the Hawaiian Islands here in Waimea Bay in 1778, changing the future of the islands forever. Second, you can visit Parker Ranch to experience paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) culture first-hand.

Venture into Waimea Canyon, the 'Grand Canyon of the Pacific', for a wealth of hiking trails, scenic overlooks, giant crags and deep valleys. If you somehow exhaust the trails there, nearby Kōkeʻe State Park has many more miles of trails, native plants and wildlife.

The best places to visit on Moloka‘i

Moloka'i is a true tropical paradise. It has the world's highest sea cliffs; the world's longest continuous fringing reef; and a high population of Native Hawaiian ancestery. If you're after remote beaches and deep jungle valleys, Moloka'i is where to go.

Kaunakakai

Kaunakakai is Moloka'i's largest town. You'll drive (or be driven) there from the airport in nearby Ho'olehua, where you simply must stop at the post office to decorate and mail home a free coconut. The service, called Post-A-Nut, has been running for years. Before you leave, eat fresh macadamia nuts straight from the branch at Purdy's Macadamia Nut Farm.

Once you're in Kaunakakai, visit the harbour for boating adventures or One Ali'i Beach for a fully-equipped beach that used to be a favourite of Hawaiian al'i (royalty).

Drive from Kaunakakai towards Mile Marker 13 to find the Hawaiian Fishponds, where Hawaiians used aquaculture engineering to sustainably harvest fish in the 1200s. The ponds' walls had gates that allowed small fish to swim in and feed. Once they grew, they could no longer get out, providing an easy catch.

Make sure to also visit Kalaupapa National Historical Park, where lepers were exiled in the 1800s. Join a tour of the site, only accessible by hike (or mule ride!) along sheer cliffs, to learn about the pain and resilience of Kalaupapa’s once-residents.

Hālawa Valley

It's time to tackle the Kamehameha V Highway, which takes visitors from Kaunakakai east to Hālawa Valley. On the way, you'll see Kamakou (Moloka'i’s highest mountain) and Kalua'aha Church (Moloka'i’s first Christian church). Stop at Kūmimi Beach for a lovely swim or snorkel.

At Hālawa Valley, hike into a lush valley with many hidden heiau (places of worship) and the tall, double-tiered Mo'oula Falls. It’s believed that ancient Polynesians settled here as early as 650 AD.

Maunaloa

On Moloka'i's west coast, visit the small plantation town of Maunaloa for its amazing Big Wind Kite Factory. These handmade kites are just one of the unique gifts you can pick up in Maunaloa.

Nearby, Pāpōhaku Beach offers wind sand and  distant views of Lē'ahi (Diamond Head) on O'ahu. Next door, Kapukahehu Beach has a small, sheltered cove that’s good for snorkelling.

The best places to visit on Lāna‘i

Lāna'i is a fairly untouched Hawaiian island with few crowds. According to tradition, Lāna'i was a realm for spirits until the 1500s, when the prince Kaululā'au tamed them and made the island inhabitable for people.

Lāna'i City

The easiest way to get to Lāna'i is a one-hour ferry ride from Maui through the Au'au Channel, where you're likely to see whales in the winter months. Make your way to Lāna'i City, founded during the island's booming pineapple industry in the early 1900s, when Lāna'i produced 75 per cent of the world's pineapples.

Picnic in grassy Dole Park between the coastal pine trees, or choose from the many nearby restaurants to dine in. Visit Lāna'i Art Center to view local artists' works or Lāna'i Culture & Heritage Center to book guided island tours.

A little further out, Lāna'i Adventure Park offers adrenaline-pumping ziplines, high ropes courses and e-bike tours. Or, if you're a cat lover, the Lāna'i Cat Sanctuary is a local nonprofit cat rescue and adoption centre where you can play with cats (for free!) all day long.

To explore the rest of the island, book a 4WD: there are not many paved roads on Lāna'i.

Hulopo'e Bay

Hulopo'e Bay is an island dream come true, with white sand, blue water and tide pools galore. There's also lots of sea life, from spinner dolphins to hermit crabs. Watch ua'u kani (wedgetail sheerwaters) at Pu'upehe, a small islet just a short hike from the beach.

A short drive away is Kaunolū, the largest surviving ruins of a prehistoric Hawaiian village. It was also a favourite fishing spot of King Kamehameha I, who retreated here after conquering Maui, Moloka'i and Lāna'i islands. View the southern sea cliffs to see Kahekili's Leap, where warriors would once demonstrate their bravery by diving off a high cliff, and where those accused of wrongdoing could jump to prove their innocence (if they were uninjured).

Keahiakawelo

Keahiakawelo is a truly otherworldly landscape of red rocks. Also called The Fire of Kawelo and Garden of the Gods, this rock garden at the end of Polihua Road with its craggy spires and boulders was formed by centuries of erosion.

Keahiakawelo, also known as The Fire of Kawelo, is a rock garden at the end of Polihua Road. A wahi pana (storied place) located roughly 45 minutes from Lānaʻi City on the northwest side of the island, its mysterious lunar topography is populated with boulders and rock towers. Visit on a clear day to see Moloka'i and O'ahu islands from the heights, or at dusk to see the rocks painted red and purple by the setting sun. Just remember that it's kapu (forbidden) to remove or stack rocks here.

The best places to visit on Maui

Maui combines volcanoes, black sand beaches and legendary road trips into one incredible island vacation. While not as large as Hawai'i Island, Maui can give any Hawaiian island a run for its money in terms of the sheer amount of things to see and do.

'Īao Valley

Maui's 'Īao Valley sports towering emerald mountains studded with gorgeous valleys. King Kamehameha I defeated Maui's army here in his quest to unite the Hawaiian islands. It's a short hike out to 'Īao Needle: a green rock outcrop that overlooks a stream.

Nearby Wailuku is a charming town where you can shop and dine after your valley adventures. The wooden storefronts around Market Street are mostly family businesses that have been operating for generations. Visit Hale Hō'ike'ike to learn more about Hawaiian history and the influence of missionaries on Maui. Nearby Maui Tropical Plantation offers the opportunity to tour a working farm that produces Hawaiian fruits and plants, complete with a tram ride around the fields and a coconut husking demonstration.

Road to Hāna

The Road to Hāna is a beautiful road trip from Central Maui's Kahului town to the charming small town of Hāna. You'll be treated to cascading waterfalls, lush rainforests and roadside pineapple stands - but the hairpin turns around sea cliffs can be hair-raising, so we strongly advise exploring this road on a guided tour.

In Hāna, aloha is a way of life. Visit Hāna Beach Park and Hāmoa Beach for scenic ocean swims. Alternatively, Wai'ānapanapa State Park has a stunning black sand beach called Pa'iloa Beach; but don't swim here, as there's strong surf and stinging jellyfish. Nearby Kahanu Garden offers native tropical gardens to wander, plus the state's largest heiau (temple), Hale Pi'ilani.

Mā'alaea Bay

Mā'alaea Bay on Maui is a great base for water activities and adventures. From here, go on a charter fishing trip, a whale watching expedition, or a pleasure boat trip to dive or snorkel off Molokini. This tiny islet has more than 250 species of tropical fish (plus lots of coral) in its surrounding waters. Back in town, visit Hawai'i's largest aquarium, the Maui Ocean Center, to explore live tropical corals, manō (sharks), honu (turtles), lupe (stingrays) and countless i'a (fish).

Follow the coast to your next stop, Wailea: a luxury resort area with stellar golf courses and five crescent-shaped beaches. Wailea Beach has calm waters and golden sand, Polo Beach offers excellent swimming and snorkelling, and Kama'ole Beach Park consits of three beaches with regularly calm waters.

Kā'anapali

Kā'anapali is another gorgeous beach resort area with white sands and crystal-clear water. Shop your heart out at Whalers Village, an open-air shopping complex with a whaling museum and free Hawaiian entertainment. Cool your heels at Kā'anapali Beach, or zipline above the coastline at Kā'anapali Skyline Eco Adventures. Make sure to witness Pu'u Keka'a (Black Rock), a cliff diving ceremony held every sunset. A cliff diver lights the torches along the cliff, then dives off Black Rock in a reenactment of the feat by Maui’s revered King Kahekili.

Head up to coast to visit Lahaina, a historic whaling town and once capital of the Hawaiian Kingdom. It was badly affected by wildfires in 2023, so some areas are still rebuilding.

You can also visit nearby Kapalua Bay Beach: it's teeming with sea turtles and colourful fish, and bordered by lush green cliffs.

The best places to visit on Hawai'i Island

Hawai'i Island is called The Big Island for a reason. It's by far the biggest island in the Hawaiian archipelago. You can experience all but four of the world's different climate zones around Hawai'i Island, making the island an unrivalled power of nature.

Hilo

Hilo is a vibrant town bordered by rainforests, gardens and waterfalls on the island of Hawai'i's northeastern side. There's plenty to learn here, depending on your interests. See how early Hawaiians lived at the Lyman Museum and Mission House, understand the island's environment at the Pacific Tsunami Museum, learn more about the relationship between Hawaii and the universe at the Imiloa Astronomy Center, or discover Hawai'i's remote coral reefs at the Mokupāpapa Discovery Center.

Venture just south of Hilo to see rainforest flora and fauna at the Pana'ewa Rainforest Zoo. Keep going to Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park for lots of outdoor adventures. Halema'uma'u Crater is a crowd favourite, since it's doubled in size just since 2018. You can also hike the once rainforest-covered Devastation Trail or explore the steamy Ha'akulamnu (Sulphur Banks).

On another day, head north and chase some waterfalls. Wailuku River State Park hosts the wonderful Waiānuenue and Pe'epe'e Falls. 'Akaka Falls State Park allows hikers to see two waterfalls on one circuit.

Kohala Coast

Kohala Coast on Hawai'i is a unique combination of ocean towns and cowboy pasturelands. Kick the day off with a swim at Hāpuna Beach before travelling up to Pu'ukoholā Heiau National Historic Site. This sacred temple was built by a king and his warriors in just a year by carrying water-worn rocks from Pololū Valley, over 30 kilometres away.

From here, head inland to Waimea, which is home to paniolo (Hawaiian cowboys). Kahuā Ranch offers horseback riding tours or ATV drives across these beautiful lands.

If you want to stick to the coast, follow it up to quaint little Hāwī, a town overflowing with galleries and restaurants set inside colourful plantation-era buildings. You'll eventually end up at the Pololū Valley Lookout, where you can overlook the verdant cliffs and dramatic coastline. Hike about half an hour down to the valley floor to see a unique black sand beach.

Kailua-Kona

This area of Hawai'i island hosts a true seaside town full of friendly locals. Meet 'coffee farmers' at Kona Coffee Living History Farm, an open-air museum that tells the story of Kona's coffee pioneers during the early 1900s. Costumed actors demonstrate traditional crafts and chores and can tell you the story behind Kona's gourmet crop.

Kailua Pier is the start and finish point of the IRONMAN World Championship every October; the rest of the year, it's a great place to watch the sunset. Visit the nearby Keahole Point Blowhole to see a lava tube spouting seawater during high surf. You can get up close and personal with seahorses at the Ocean Rider Seahorse Farm, or visit the remains of a ceremonial site dating back hundreds of years at Ulupō Heiau.

Just south of Kailua is Keauhou: a coastal area that's frequented by manta rays. Can you spot them gliding through the ocean water?

If you're after a snorkel session, try Kealakeua Bay. Visit the heiau dedicated to the Hawaiian god Lono on the east side of the bay, or find the memorial to Captain Cook, who died during a skirmish with native Hawaiians not long after he first landed here on his first visit to the island of Hawai'i.

It's a truly special experience to travel to Pu'uhonua o Hōnaunau. These ancient sacred grounds granted amnesty to lawbreakers, defeated warriors, and civilians who wanted to avoid current warfare. Nobody could harm those who reached the boundaries of the Pu'uhonua.

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